FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
features, such as dense grids of holes. Called Fly Cut, it avoids the traditional stop-start laser cutting of each individual shape before moving onto the next. To cut a square or rectangular hole, a conventional production route involves acceleration of the head to cut one side and then three further direction changes to produce each individual hole. In contrast, Fly Cut synchronises the movement of the cutting head with rapid switching of the laser beam. The control identifies all horizontal lines in a grid of holes and cuts them in a single, continuous sweep across the sheet. The head moves at a high and constant speed while the laser beam pulses on and off where the holes need to be.
“ After completing the horizontal passes, the machine repeats the process for the three other orthogonal directions. In this way, a time saving of up to 70 per cent can be achieved for this part of the cycle,” confirmed BLM.
“ Fewer stops and starts mean less stress on the linear motors and drive systems, potentially extending the lifespan of the machine’ s motion components. To cut grilles successfully in this manner, the machine must be precise and rigid to ensure that the lines meet at the corners. So, Fly Cut not only saves cycle time but is also direct proof of the quality of a BLM machine,” it added.
A further advanced feature of the machine that maintains high productivity is Active Piercing, which monitors when the piercing process is complete so that the subsequent axis movements to execute the programmed cut can start automatically.
Conventionally, an operator must calculate the time required for piercing the material and then typically add a little extra time as a safety factor, which over the course of a day accumulates into a sizable amount of unproductive time. Active Piercing ensures that the laser cutting head has a system for automatic focus position adjustment, so the operator does not have to manually change the focus position when changes are made( such as in the assist gas used or the type or thickness of material being cut). It is another productivityenhancing measure, as is automatic nozzle changing from an 18-position magazine, which cleans the nozzles and monitors their wear status during exchange.
Right: Part of a stainlesssteel draught beer dispensing unit manufactured by Bell Steel Fabrications.
A component for a security guard programmed in Lantek software and subsequently nested for cutting out of a 3 x 1.5m sheet of mild steel. The large number of holes are laser-cut quickly using the Fly Cut feature of the BLM flat-bed laser.
Future-proof choice
The LS7 also offers adaptability so that if, in the future, Matthew Bell chooses to use compressed air as the assist gas on some jobs to save on nitrogen or oxygen costs, a third line is available as well as a dedicated turnkey air centre. It includes a high-pressure compressor, filter banks to remove any oil and water from the air and a reservoir to maintain constant air flow during cutting.“ Production at Bell Steel Fabrications is characterised by small batch sizes and one-off prototypes, with large runs being relatively uncommon. For this reason, Matthew Bell chose not to automate material transfer to the BLM LS7 at this stage. However, if a future need arises, tower storage and handling systems are
A mild steel truck ladder laser-cut on the LS7 fibre machine and bent on Bell Steel Fabrication’ s 150-tonne, 3,100mm press brake.
available from us to work in conjunction with the standard, dual-table shuttle system of the fibre laser machine. It is one of the fastest on the market, with material changeover taking just nine seconds,” outlined BLM.
“ Investment in BLM Group’ s LS7 fibre laser profiling machine marks a significant step forward for Bell Steel Fabrications delivering measurable cost savings, increased productivity and enhanced process flexibility. By combining advanced laser technology with a commitment to engineering excellence and customer value, Bell Steel Fabrications is well positioned to expand its capabilities and remain competitive in a demanding subcontract manufacturing environment. The transition not only modernises the company’ s production infrastructure but also reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking fabrication partner,” it concluded. n
www. bell-steel. co. uk /
www. blmgroup. com
22 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2026